2. Contact Info

3. Dealer Selection

’95 Chevrolet Blazer LTVersatility is the Chevrolet Blazer’s strong suit, as it has adapted deftly to a variety of lifestyles over the past year; active, outdoorsy types have taken advantage of its go-anywhere abilities, those in the “family way” have welcomed its five-passenger seating and abundant cargo space, and no-nonsense business tycoons have noted the rugged style and driving ease. One editor wrote, “The suspension is soft and carlike on bumps, providing some of the best ride compliance I’ve ever felt in a compact SUV.” The Blazer has received only scheduled maintenance (oil changes and tire maintenance) since our last update. Previous problems with the fuel gauge and shocks haven’t resurfaced since their warrantied repair. Fuel economy has proved to be consistent overall, hovering between 17 and 18 mpg. As expected, strictly highway miles have yielded better economy, ranging from 18 to 21 mpg. Despite its truck-tough platform, the Blazer has proved to be an enjoyable car substitute for daily driving, with no apologies needed.

Base price

$21,953

Price as tested

$27,069

Body style

4-door, 5-pass.

Engine size/type

4.3-liter V-6

Transmission/driveline configuration

4-speed auto./front engine, 4-wheel drive

0-60 mph, sec.

9.4

EPA mpg, city/highway

17/22

Total mileage

26,820

Test mileage

25,223

Fuel consumed, gal.

1459.8

Fuel cost

$1772.20

Average mpg

17.3

Additional oil/cost

3 qt/$6.60

Routine maint.

$114.02

Additional maint.

None

Previous maint.

$613.07

Problem areas

Shocks,transmission, fuel gauge

Total operating cost

$2499.29

Operating cost/mile

9.9

’95 Chrysler Cirrus LxiOur Chrysler Cirrus has added almost 10,000 miles to its odometer this past quarter. Several vacation getaways contributed greatly to the mileage, with editors citing ride comfort as the standout attribute on long-distance excursions. Like Dr. Who’s space-traveling phone booth, the spacious interior defies its exterior dimensions. Efficient packaging provides an open interior feel with generous rear-seat legroom for a midsize sedan. Logbook criticisms have been directed largely at the rev-happy 2.5-liter/164-horse V-6 engine, which lacks the low-end torque punch delivered by many of its competitors’ six-cylinder powerplants. A free scheduled service was performed at 10,000 miles. We returned to the dealership at 12,339 miles to have the air-conditioning system diagnosed; it was intermittently blowing warm air into the cabin. A compressor fuse was blamed, and the repair was performed under warranty. The problem persisted, however, and two weeks later the dealership recharged the system under warranty, finally correcting the air conditioner’s ailment.

Base price

$17,453

Price as tested

$20,234

Body style

4-door, 5-pass.

Engine size/type

2.5-liter V-6

Transmission/drivelineconfiguration

4-speed auto./front engine, front drive

0-60 mph, sec.

10.0

EPA mpg, city/highway

20/29

Total mileage

14,815

Test mileage

14,543

Fuel consumed, gal.

605.5

Fuel cost

$732.05

Average mpg

24.0

Additional oil/cost

None

Routine maint.

No charge

Additional maint.

Warranty

Previous maint.

No charge

Problem areas

Air conditioning

Total operating cost

$732.05

Operating cost/mile

5.0

’95 Mazda 626 ESSince its introduction in ’79, the 626 has been the mainstay of Mazda’s product line, remaining the company’s perennial best-selling model. The current 626 drew our attention with its freshened front and rear styling and a handful of new features. In choosing a 626 model to join our long-term fleet, we skipped the base four-cylinder-powered DX, leapfrogged over the moderately equipped LX, and went straight for the yuppie-minded ES. Loaded with all the power functions a switch-loving driver could want, the ES trim level includes power locks, windows, and driver’s seat, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a 2.5-liter/160-horsepower V-6, air conditioning, cruise control, an anti-theft system with keyless remote entry, and a six-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo. The only factory option we passed on was the automatic transmission. Equipped with a manual five-speed, the 626 has a spirited feel that makes it enjoyable to drive. In its first weeks at our offices, the 626 made the obligatory baptismal run to Las Vegas, and performed flawlessly the entire grueling trip.

EPA MPG

Horsepower

Torque

1995 Mazda 626 News and Reviews

If one sedan in this test epitomizes performance on a budget, the Tokico Mazda 626 is it. Starting with a '95 Mazda 626 LX, Tokico Marketing Manager Richard Meyer set out to build a car showcasing Tokico's latest shock-absorber and suspension offerings while affording himself a comfortable everyday driver.Meyer's racing background taught him "if it works, don't fix it," and…

'95 Chevrolet Blazer LTVersatility is the Chevrolet Blazer's strong suit, as it has adapted deftly to a variety of lifestyles over the past year; active, outdoorsy types have taken advantage of its go-anywhere abilities, those in the "family way" have welcomed its five-passenger seating and abundant cargo space, and no-nonsense business tycoons have noted the rugged style and driving ease.…